Dublin City Council and Land Development Agency partner on Dolphin House Estate Regeneration Project

  • Partnership will deliver Phase 2 and Phase 3 of project
  • Over 600 social and affordable homes to be developed
FINAL Dolphin House Estate Logos Only

Dublin City Council (DCC) and the Land Development Agency (LDA) have entered into a partnership to develop Phases 2 and 3 of the Dolphin House Estate Regeneration Project, a major residential construction project in Dublin 8.

Collectively, Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the project will deliver over 600 social and affordable homes and complete the regeneration project at Dolphin House Estate. This will replace the existing homes with new high quality, energy efficient apartments and houses for current and future residents.

The LDA, in partnership with DCC will now seek to appoint a design team to prepare a planning application for the new homes and amenity spaces based on the DCC masterplan agreed for the regeneration project. Subject to all statutory permissions being received, the project will then move to contractor tender stage and onwards to construction.

The Dolphin House project is planned in three main phases, Phase 1 comprising 1a, 1b, and 1c (social housing); Phase 2 (social housing); and Phase 3 (affordable housing).

  • Phase 1a was completed by DCC in 2018,
  • Phase 1b is scheduled to commence on-site in 2027 and
  • Phase 1C is targeted to commence on site in 2028, which will continue the Council’s new home delivery across the estate.

Dolphin House Estate was built in the 1950s and includes a mix of social apartments and houses and housing for older persons.

In advance of, and during, the design of the regeneration project, Dublin City Council has held consultations and engaged extensively with the residents of Dolphin House and the local community. Dublin City Council will continue to build on this engagement in ensuring the delivery of this important project.

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Ray McAdam said:

“The regeneration of Dolphin House represents one of the most significant and transformative projects within Dublin City Council’s wider regeneration programme.

For many years, the Council has worked hand in hand with residents and the local community, listening carefully, engaging openly, and shaping a shared vision for a renewed Dolphin House.

Our new partnership with the Land Development Agency builds on that strong foundation of trust and collaboration. Together, we will deliver a vibrant, modern neighbourhood - with high-quality homes, first-class community facilities, and new public spaces that will serve this community for generations to come.

I look forward to seeing this next phase move forward at pace, bringing to life the ambition and potential that the people of Dolphin House have long championed.”

John Coleman, Chief Executive of the Land Development Agency said:

“We are delighted to partner with DCC on this wonderful project to regenerate Dolphin House.

The LDA has a strong working relationship with DCC as demonstrated by the great progress in delivering on the vision for the Donore Project, and through our collaborations on projects including Bluebell Waterways, Cherry Orchard Point and Cromcastle. We are excited to extend that relationship further through the Dolphin House Regeneration Project, improving conditions and amenities in the heart of Dublin city.”

Mick Mulherin, Assistant Chief Executive, Dublin City Council’s Housing department said:

"Dublin City Council is committed to the regeneration of Dolphin House estate and this next phase marks a major milestone in our overall programme. We’re proud of the plans to deliver high-quality, energy-efficient homes that meet the needs of current and future residents.

We have now received Approval in Principle from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to proceed to detailed design and planning. To support us with this we are delighted to announce that we will partner with the LDA, who with their experience, resource and funding will enable us to progress at pace.”

Independent Chairman of the Dolphin House & Park Joint Regeneration Board, Fergus Finlay said:

"The regeneration of Dolphin House is not just about building vibrant new homes, as vital as that is. Our work has always been about strengthening the community at the heart of this estate. That has always meant seeking to ensure that community supports and facilities are of the highest standard.

We’ve worked closely with residents throughout the process, and their voices must continue to shape the future of this project.

As a Regeneration Board we will work to ensure that this partnership delivers the new homes and amenities that reflect the needs and aspirations of the people who live here, creating a strong and inclusive neighbourhood for generations to come."

The Land Development Agency (LDA) is the State’s affordable housing delivery body. Its main role is to acquire and develop State and other land to deliver affordable homes to address the country’s housing need.

The Agency has commenced construction on various state sourced and privately acquired land and has a delivery pipeline in excess of 25,000 homes through its direct delivery and homebuilder partnership channels.

Additionally, the LDA undertakes work on large-scale longer-term strategic areas by master-planning and bringing forward planning applications in locations such as Limerick Colbert Quarter, the Digital Hub in Dublin and Sandy Road in Galway.

The LDA is also responsible for a range of public functions including research, master planning and the development of construction guidelines and best practices. The LDA has produced and now regularly updates the Report on Relevant Public Land, which identified 102 State owned sites with the potential for 70,830 homes.

Dublin is a major European Union capital city with a vibrant culture and innovative economy. Dublin City Council is at the heart of shaping the city by providing a diverse, multi-layered and evolving range of services for citizens, businesses, the community and visitors to Dublin.

Dublin City Council provides over 500 services across key functional areas of housing, community, planning, development, environmental, roads and traffic, leisure and culture services. The Housing department of Dublin City Council is responsible for a wide range of services aimed at providing secure, affordable, and sustainable housing for the residents of Dublin city.

The Council provides and manages social housing, affordable schemes, and homeless services. It supports community development, inclusion, and strategic housing planning, whilst also promoting regeneration and sustainability across Dublin’s housing landscape.